When I first came to Spain, the thing I dreaded most was getting sick. I didn’t speak the language well, and I wasn’t familiar with the healthcare system. Recently, due to a minor health issue, my doctor ordered a series of imaging scans for me, so I got to experience everything from an ultrasound to a CT scan. The process is quite different from what I was used to back home, so I’m sharing my experience to hopefully provide some helpful information for those who might need it.
Appointments and Waiting Times
In Spain, whether you’re using the public healthcare system or private insurance, you almost always need a referral from a family doctor or a specialist for an imaging scan. Once you have the referral, with the public system, you have to go to a designated hospital or imaging center to get on a waiting list. The wait time can be unpredictable, ranging from a few weeks to several months. I used my private insurance this time. The insurance company’s app listed many partner imaging centers, and I could call or book online directly. I chose one close to my home and got an appointment in about a week, which was quite fast.
The Procedure
On the day of the scan, remember to bring your referral letter, ID, and health card. I went to a private hospital called Quiron. The environment was nice; after registering at the front desk, I waited in the seating area to be called. The ultrasound and X-ray were quick. I basically went in, followed the technician’s instructions on how to position myself, and it was over in a few minutes. The CT scan was a bit more complex as it might require a contrast dye injection. When they inject it, you’ll feel a warm sensation in your arm, which is a normal reaction, so don’t be alarmed.
Receiving the Report and Images
This is perhaps the biggest difference compared to the system in my home country! After the scan, they don’t give you a report or a large envelope of films on the spot. The standard procedure is that the imaging center sends the digital report and image files directly to the referring doctor within a few days. Patients can also log in to the imaging center’s website or app with their personal information to view and download them. In my case, about 3 business days after my scan, I received a text message from the hospital letting me know my report was available on their patient portal. What I downloaded was a PDF report (for information on general check-ups, you can see this guide on Spanish health check-up costs) and a folder with the DICOM-format raw images, which was very convenient. In Spain, this process is usually covered by your insurance, but you can learn more about general Spanish medical costs here.
Here’s a simple vocabulary table for common imaging scans to help you understand your doctor’s referral:
| English | Spanish | Common Abbreviation |
|---|
| Ultrasound | Ecografía | ECO |
| X-ray | Radiografía | RX |
| Computed Tomography Scan | Tomografía Computarizada | TC or TAC |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Resonancia Magnética | RM or RMN |
Overall, I found Spain’s medical imaging system to be very well-organized and digitalized. While the waiting times in the public system can be a major issue, the efficiency and service of private insurance are excellent. I hope everyone stays healthy and won’t need this information, but if you ever do, I hope this post can help!
